Pay Trends By State And Specialty –

Journey nursing skilled important development throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to broaden. In 2020, Staffing Trade Analysts reported that journey nurse staffing demand jumped 35%.

What used to make up simply 3%-4% of hospital nursing employees ballooned to eight%-10% by mid-2021. Hospitals relied closely on journey nurses to take care of care, reworking what was as soon as a brief resolution right into a core a part of the system.

The thought isn’t new, however it didn’t acquire mainstream traction till extra not too long ago, when COVID-19 pushed curiosity into excessive gear. In January 2019, journey nurses had been working 4% of all hours labored by nurses in hospitals, based on Syntellis Efficiency Options knowledge. By January 2022, that quantity reached 23%.

Nationwide Well being Scores seems to be at the place journey nurses are incomes essentially the most — and the least — utilizing knowledge from the Stellar Nurse Final Journey Nurse Wage Information. This story will break down how pay varies by location, specialty, and demand in at present’s fast-changing healthcare world.

The journey nursing increase: From disaster response to profession path

Earlier than COVID: a distinct segment resolution

Journey nursing formally started in 1978 with the institution of TravCorps in New Orleans. From the start, it was all about filling staffing gaps — whether or not from regional shortages, seasonal surges, or new hospital applications. Journey nurses made up only a small a part of the workforce. The roles paid effectively and provided flexibility, however most nurses nonetheless considered them as non permanent gigs, fairly than full-time careers.

How the pandemic modified every little thing

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and demand for journey nurses surged. By August 2021, greater than 30,000 journey nurse jobs had been accessible, based on well being care staffing agency SimpliFi. The pay, flexibility, and pressing want turned short-term contracts right into a critical long-term possibility for a lot of nurses.

Now: Excessive demand, slower tempo

The journey nursing market is cooling, however it stays stronger than it was earlier than the pandemic, based on Staffing Trade Analysts. After peaking at $42.7 billion in 2022, a 2025 report from TravelNurses signifies that the U.S. trade is predicted to stabilize at round $19.5 billion by 2025, which is sort of triple the pre-pandemic stage. Trying forward, WiFiTalents tasks the trade to develop steadily at a fee of 5.8% yearly by means of 2028.

The place journey nurses earned essentially the most and least

Journey nurse pay swings onerous relying on the place you go. In accordance with the Stellar Nurse Final Journey Nurse Wage Information, Alaska leads the pack with a mean weekly wage of $2,435. California isn’t far behind at $2,348, adopted by Wisconsin ($2,313), New York ($2,310), and Massachusetts ($2,301). These high-paying states usually include greater dwelling prices, a robust union presence, and excessive demand for big-city hospitals.

On the decrease finish? Alabama averages simply $1,772 per week, with Mississippi, Texas, Florida, and Arkansas all hovering round $1,880 per week. Whereas the price of dwelling in these states is decrease, it not often makes up for the smaller paychecks.

Regional developments are shifting, too. In Q1 2025, salaries elevated by 0.7% within the West however decreased by 0.88% within the South, suggesting stronger demand and higher funding alongside the coasts. Huge cities sometimes pay greater than rural areas.

Nonetheless, weekly pay isn’t the entire story. Actual worth comes from the complete package deal; assume housing stipends, tax-free advantages, and the way far your cash really goes in a given metropolis.

How specialization shapes journey nurse pay

Location issues — however what you focus on can matter much more. Nurses working in high-stress, high-demand specialties persistently high the pay charts.

On the very high, Licensed Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) pull in about $6,732 per week, with some hitting $8,000 or extra. Cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgical procedure doctor assistants comply with at $5,918, and even nonclinical roles like medical physicists common $5,307 every week.

Different robust earners embrace perfusionists ($4,847) and acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs), who common round $3,810 per week. These jobs normally require superior certifications and deep expertise in crucial care or surgical environments.

Expertise boosts earnings, too. New journey nurses usually make between $90,000 and $100,000 a yr, whereas seasoned ICU nurses can clear $150,000, particularly with credentials like Licensed Vital Care Registered Nurse, Trauma Nursing Core Course, or Licensed Pediatric Nurse beneath their belts.

Specialty coaching isn’t low cost, however the payoff will be large. For nurses trying to maximize revenue, investing in high-acuity certifications is among the smartest strikes.

What nurses actually earn: Past the bottom fee

Journey nurse pay isn’t simply in regards to the hourly wage. The complete compensation package deal contains tax-free stipends, journey reimbursements, and long-term perks that may severely increase take-home worth.

Stipends and each day help

Housing stipends are one of many greatest attracts. Nurses additionally get a each day meal and incidental allowances primarily based on federal Common Providers Administration per diem charges. On high of that, extra perks may embrace journey and relocation prices, from fuel and airfare to licensing charges.

Tax perks that add up

Many of those stipends are nontaxable so long as nurses hold a qualifying tax house. That setup can result in 1000’s in annual financial savings, particularly in comparison with everlasting employees roles with comparable base pay.

Advantages that go the space

Prime businesses supply medical insurance on day one, plus extras like 401(okay) matching, persevering with schooling funds, and certification help. Some even throw in bonuses for finishing contracts or sticking with the identical company over time.

Add all of it up, and journey nursing stays a robust monetary possibility, even when base pay varies by state or specialty.

What it takes to change into a journey nurse

Training and licensing fundamentals

To begin, you’ll have to change into a licensed registered nurse (RN). Meaning incomes both an affiliate diploma in nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing — although many hospitals now favor or require a BSN — and passing the Nationwide Council Licensure Examination for RNs.

To work throughout state strains extra simply, many nurses get a multistate license by means of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Proper now, 43 states absolutely take part, so nurses in these states can take assignments with out reapplying for a license every time.

Expertise necessities

Most businesses need not less than one to 2 years of hands-on scientific expertise. For those who’re aiming for specialties like ICU, ER, or OR, anticipate to wish two or extra years of post-orientation work. Inpatient expertise is normally a should; hospitals are inclined to cross on candidates with solely clinic or outpatient backgrounds for high-acuity roles.

Discovering the best company

Selecting the best staffing company issues. Search for one that gives clear pay particulars, robust advantages, and strong recruiter help. A superb recruiter will match you with the best jobs, stroll you thru contracts, and be sure you perceive the complete compensation package deal earlier than you signal on.

The underside line on journey nursing at present

For nurses chasing flexibility and higher pay, it’s nonetheless one of the vital interesting profession paths on the market. From high-paying coastal gigs to rising demand within the Midwest, nurses can form their assignments round revenue targets, life-style, and expertise.

There’s room to develop, too. Specializing in high-acuity areas or incomes superior certifications opens the door to top-tier contracts and higher charges. When mixed with good company partnerships, tax-savvy planning, and long-term targets, journey nursing turns into greater than a short-term transfer; it turns into a viable, rewarding profession.

Whether or not you’re simply getting began or enthusiastic about the next move, understanding the place the cash is — and learn how to make it give you the results you want — helps you intend smarter for the highway forward.

This story was produced by Nationwide Well being Scores and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

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